I know the _real_ cold weather folks are going to be upset but ,
It was a chilly & damp 43° F this morning when I walked out to my Ivory Diesel Sports Coupe , I let the glow plugs cycle as I unlocked the gate then re cycled them again , gave it about 1/9 throttle and hit the starter , the engine only made about 3/4 a revolution before springing into life .
Mindful of over revving a cold Diesel engine ripping the crowns off the pistons , I held it to a 1,000 RPM idle and patted my dogs as I set the radio (Christmas Carols) and heater , the IP's internal cold fast idle device doesn't work on this car so I have to keep my right foot on the throttle and my left foot on the brake as I carefully backed it out into the street then manoevered it parallel to the gate curb .
As I blew down the Pasadena freeway slightly below warp speed I was pleased to see that even with the headlights , driving lights , radio and heater all going full tilt boogie , my 55 Ampere original alternator was putting out 13.62 volts thanx entirely to the correct BOSCH brand voltage regulator ~ the headlights are *so* bright , they're _white_ , not bright yellow like most old cars , if you've not yet done this important up grade/repair , do so ASAP to keep your battery up during the winter .
This year , the illuminated Christmas Wreath on the front , has all off white bulbs to better offset the ivory color of the car .
Life is good in spite of everything else , I know I can always rely on my 27 year old battered Mercedes Diesel Sports Coupe to carry me where I need to go rapidly, safely , economically and in serious style .
BTW : _YES_ , 43° F *is* cold dangit ! I grew up in sub zero country but now I live where rain and below 75° F temps are ILLEGAL =8-)
Just because I wear short sleeves and no jacket , doesn't mean it's not cold . (I did put a jacket on the back seat just in case)
-Nate
